Chapter Two: Rewards Can Bleed

“Registration closes in six weeks,” Gu Chen said. “We have no club or regional points.” “You have experience,” Zhou replied. “Gu Chen, championship shot-caller, permanently banned for match-fixing. You're the only one who can get five strangers there.” Lin Yao asked whether he had cheated. “No.” During that infamous semifinal, an unknown voice had predicted three upcoming fights in Gu Chen's headset. When he refused its orders, his equipment sent false calls under his account. His teammate Qin Feng died while carrying evidence of the malfunction. Gu Chen put on the new headset. Beneath the static, the same woman whispered, “Do not refuse this time.” The ceiling ruptured.